Crash

No, not the David Cronenberg film about people who have a fetish for sexual intercourse during car accidents (obligatory disclaimer). This Paul Haggis' film about racism in Los Angeles. Watching this film, one might get the impression that the only topic of conversation amongst Los Angelino's is about race, because that's about all these characters talk about. I suppose the issue is hyperbolized in order to make his point that racism still exists despite the fact that we would prefer to sweep it under the carpet, but still. It's actually a very humane film despite it's occasionally overbearingly preachy tone. Fortunately, it doesn't make the mistake of singling out any one group, everyone is this film is guilty of racism/stereotyping/misconceptions -- whites, blacks, latinos, Iranian, Asian etc. It certainly has a strong cast, however at just under two-hours, I didn't feel that we got to spend adequate time with any of them as say in a three-hour film like Magnolia or Short Cuts. I must mention Matt Dillon, who is an actor that I feel has never gotten the recognition he deserves. In my opinion, he is the standout as a racist cop who, we later find out, is actually a human being with motivations. The film has a few unusually poignant moments that are a testament to strong filmmaking, but I don't think that the film is ultimately as successful in doing what it wants to do. It got me thinking about humanity in general, but not about racism. It's a good film that didn't leave me with what I was hoping it would leave me with. Actually the review that I most agree with is from The Village Voice Michael Atkinson who I usually despise.